In Reflective Contemplation Meditation, we choose and attribute to reflect on during the meditation. We sit in silence listening to whatever thoughts may evolve pertaining to the chosen subject. The subjects may be any of the following or subjects you have decided to meditate on yourself. Such subjects as truthfulness, loyalty, kindness, joy, love, friendliness, humor, courage, compassion, strength, happiness, power, understanding. Literally any subject you desire to contemplate. You take one theme and during the meditation you exhaust all thoughts about the subject until your mind is silent. By reflecting on these attributes you build strong bonds in your character and interactions in everyday life.
During the meditation, you may receive great insights into the chosen topic. It is important that you keep a diary of your meditation sessions in order to record your progress and insightfulness. You may well be surprised at what your mind will think about whilst contemplating a positive or negative attribute possible to the personality.
Reflective Contemplation Meditation is an exercise in concentration. We focus on the given subject completely and if the mind wanders from the topic, we acknowledge the thought and gently bring the mind back to the task. At first the mind may wander a lot but with practice you learn to stay focused.
This kind of Meditation is beneficial in improving our concentration powers and as a result leads us to profound states of relaxation and peace. It can lead to a tranquil state of mind which is unhindered by unimportant thought processes. It releases those feel good hormones in the body which are vital to our sense of well being and happiness. Other health benefits of Reflective Contemplation Meditation are a lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety and stress, better immune responses, increased creativity, reduced pain sensations and overall wellbeing.
Here is an example of How to Practice Reflective Contemplation Meditation
- Sit comfortable in a chair or cross legged on the floor.
- Close your eyes and take three long and deep inhalations and exhalations to relax.
- Try to ensure that your spine is straight as this aids in the relaxation process of the body.
- Now think about your chosen topic or word. For purposes of this explaination we will use Courage.
- Think about Courage; ask yourself questions about this word. When in my life have I truly been courageous? What is the definition of courage? Who in my life have I proclaimed to be courageous? What attributes are required to be courageous? What animals are courageous? What specific act demonstrates courageousness? How do I feel when I am courageous? What do I like about being courageous? What do I not like about being courageous? What are the results of being courageous? How do I benefit from being courageous? Any question you may have about being courageous.
- Follow your thought processes about the given topic until you have exhausted your minds capacity to add to the subject matter. Then just sit in silence, enjoying the peace of a quiet mind.
- If your mind wanders from the task, acknowledge the thought and gently bring it back to the task at hand.
- When feeling ready, stand and stretch.
- Record your insights into a daily diary.
Like all disciplines, Reflective Contemplation Meditation requires daily practice to benefit from its rewards. If you are a beginner, as little as 10 minutes is all that is required. After a period, try extending you meditation session to 20 – 30 minutes. You will notice profound changes in your mental health and overall well being after 2 weeks of practice.
Please See Below For A Complete Guide To Meditation
